BROKEN ARROW RANCH & SANCTUARY
A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
We provide sanctuary for rescued horses who will educate, expand and support the awareness of the symbiotic relationship between humanity and the natural world. We advocate for and aim to regenerate the health and vitality of the original and organic relationships between land, animal, and human.
—BROKEN ARROW RANCH & SANCTUARY MISSION STATEMENT
Broken Arrow Ranch & Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization | EIN #88-3141963Sanctuary is only possible through the support of those who believe in it—those who see the value in giving these animals not just safety, but a life where they are truly seen and respected.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps sustain this mission. It ensures that every horse has the food, care, and space they need to live on their own terms. But more than that, your support sends a message: that their lives matter, that their wisdom is worth listening to, and that we are capable of creating a world where animals are honored as individuals.
MEET THE SANCTUARY HORSES
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South Steens Mustang Gelding
Thunder carries the strength of the wild and the presence of a leader, standing tall and unwavering as the Protector of his herd. A striking bay mustang, he commands respect without asking for it, embodying both power and grace in equal measure.
His journey has taken him across great distances, yet he has remained steadfast in his purpose. Thunder was originally rounded up in the South Steens of Oregon, where he spent several years in BLM holding corrals, separated from the land he once roamed freely. Eventually, he was adopted by a nonprofit in Oklahoma, where he spent three to four years alongside his band. When the nonprofit dissolved, its founder reached out to Broken Arrow Ranch with a request: to bring Thunder and four of his herd mates back home to Oregon. It was a full-circle journey—Thunder was returning to the lands from which he came.
From the moment he arrived, Thunder established himself as a guardian. He is always watchful, ensuring that his herd is safe, content, and protected. Though he is not aggressive, he stands firm, his presence alone enough to bring order and security. His loyalty is unwavering, and his regal demeanor speaks to a deep inner wisdom, an understanding that his role is not just to lead, but to safeguard those who stand beside him.
As a Protector, Thunder embodies strength, responsibility, and quiet authority. He teaches us that true power is not in control, but in presence—the ability to stand firm, to watch over, and to ensure that those we care for are safe.
If you resonate with Thunder’s energy of protection, leadership, and noble guardianship, consider sponsoring him or making a donation in his honor. Your support ensures that he—and others like him—continue to thrive in a place where their strength is honored and their spirit remains free.
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Unbranded Mustang Mare
Colibrí was born in Oklahoma at a nonprofit sanctuary. She is the foal of Black Pearl. She arrived at BARS malnourished, and she urgently needed proper nutrition and care. Her coat was dull and matted. Colibri was not developing properly due to lack of nutrients. Upon her arrival, we jumped into action and started her on extra grain and supplements. She quickly gained weight, showed increased energy and her coat has greatly improved. Colibri was very lethargic for the first couple weeks at BARS. Now she and Sammy love to play out in the field together running, wrestling and of course taking turns doing “zoomies.” She has a very sweet and loving personality. She is our precious little miracle girl!
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Oregon BLM Mustang Mare
Black Pearl carries the presence of a true matriarch—observant, deeply attuned, and always aware of the well-being of those around her. She is strong yet soft, protective yet open, a mare who leads not with dominance, but with wisdom and quiet assurance.
Originally from the BLM lands of Oregon, Black Pearl was adopted and sent to a sanctuary in Oklahoma, where she lived for several years. But when circumstances changed, she and her band—the “Wild Five”—needed a new home. In August 2023, she and her young foal, Colibri, made the long journey back to Oregon, returning to a land that had always been in her bones.
When she arrived, Black Pearl was malnourished and weak, struggling to provide for her colt. She was not producing milk, and time was critical. With a carefully managed rehabilitation plan, she gained nearly 40 pounds in just a few weeks, and miraculously, her milk production returned. Her dedication to her foal never wavered, and even in her fragile state, her watchful presence over Colibri remained unshaken.
Now thriving at Broken Arrow, Black Pearl is learning to trust again. She still keeps a keen eye on her surroundings, but her barriers are beginning to soften.
As a Matriarch, Black Pearl embodies the essence of wisdom, deep connection, and unwavering care. She teaches us to observe before acting, to hold space for those we protect, and to trust the slow, steady process of healing.
If you resonate with Black Pearl’s energy of quiet leadership, maternal wisdom, and deep awareness, consider sponsoring her or making a donation in her honor. Your support ensures that she—and others like her—can continue to lead, nurture, and find safety in the sanctuary they now call home.
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Yakima Reservation Gelding
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BLM Mustang Mare
Autumn is part of Thunder’s heard. She was also adopted from the BLM Burns corrals. She was sent to Oklahoma to a nonprofit and bonded with Thunder’s group. The lady that adopted them reached out to us to take Autumn as part of the Wild Five. Now that she’s settled in at Broken Arrow, Autumn has gained weight, her coat is shiny and her overall health is excellent. Autumn has a sweet, gentle personality and she loves being part of Thunder’s band. We are thankful to have been able to adopt and keep the Wild Five together.
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Yakima Reservation Mare
Claire at Skydog Sanctuary asked us to adopt Cider. Cider was rounded up in the state of Washington during a fire. She was adopted out to a riding center and they tried to train her but she wanted to stay wild. The group was going to send Cider to auction as they had no need for her. A teenage gal that worked at the riding center felt sorry for her and brought her home. She spent many months trying to befriend Cider before she reached out to Claire at Skydog for help. She was headed to college and her parents did not want to look after the horse after she left. In July 2023, She delivered Cider to our sanctuary and her new life with us began. In August, Cider was released with the Wild Five and she has become part of that band. Cider is smart and observant. Cider has a funny grunt she demonstrated upon being released at Broken Arrow. Thunder is slowly accepting her into the group and we see progress every day.
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South Steens Mustang Mare
Summer moves through life with steady awareness and quiet strength, embodying the role of a Mentor within her herd. She is a mare who understands the importance of connection, guidance, and protection, holding space for those around her with a grounded and reassuring presence.
Originally from the South Steens of Oregon, Summer was rounded up and placed in BLM holding corrals before being adopted by a kind woman. She eventually made her way to Oklahoma, where she bonded with Thunder’s group, becoming part of the Wild Five. In August 2023, Summer and her herd traveled back to Oregon and found sanctuary at Broken Arrow—a place where she could once again roam freely and reconnect with the rhythms of the land.
Summer has naturally stepped into the role of guardian and guide, particularly for Colibrí, whom we lovingly call her “Auntie”. She is watchful yet gentle, ensuring Colibrí stays safe while giving her the space to grow and explore. Seeing them side by side is a beautiful reminder of the deep social bonds within a wild herd—a testament to the unspoken trust and care that shapes their world.
A large yet kind and gentle mare, Summer carries herself with grace and quiet wisdom. She gingerly accepts hand treats, a sign of her growing trust, and her sweet nature shines through in every interaction. She leads not through dominance, but through presence, showing others the way simply by being steady, patient, and sure of herself.
As a Mentor, Summer embodies wisdom, protection, and the power of deep connection. She teaches us that true leadership comes from being present, aware, and grounded—offering guidance without force and holding space for others to find their own strength.
If you resonate with Summer’s energy of gentle mentorship, quiet strength, and deep connection, consider sponsoring her or making a donation in her honor. Your support ensures that she—and others like her—can continue to thrive, lead, and nurture future generations at Broken Arrow Ranch.
Why Donate to Broken Arrow Ranch & Sanctuary?
At Broken Arrow Ranch & Sanctuary, we offer more than just rescue—we provide a forever home for equines who have nowhere else to go. Once they arrive at the sanctuary, they are safe for life—never to be at risk of neglect, slaughter, or displacement again. But sanctuary is more than a place; it is a commitment that requires daily labor, immense resources, and an unwavering promise to care for each individual’s needs for the rest of their lives.
Providing sanctuary means daily feeding, ensuring access to clean water year-round, repairing and maintaining miles of fencing, and offering routine and emergency veterinary care. It means standing in the snow to break ice from troughs, sweating in the summer sun to repair shelters, and hauling feed through wind and rain. The cost of care is significant—$100 per month to feed just one horse—and that doesn’t include medical care, farrier work, or the hands-on time it takes to ensure every horse receives the attention they need. Sanctuary is built on raw materials, labor, and love.
But at Broken Arrow Ranch & Sanctuary, care goes deeper than physical needs. We honor each horse’s individual journey—meeting them where they are emotionally, cognitively, socially, and energetically. Some arrive fearful, unable to make eye contact, too shut down to interact. We do not demand trust, nor do we see them through the lens of their past traumas or human-caused behaviors. Instead, we hold space. We remain present and predictable, allowing them to make choices, to engage when they are ready. We see them as teachers, as holders of nature’s wisdom. Their journeys to the sanctuary reflect many of the struggles humans face—loss, resilience, healing, and the search for belonging. They offer profound lessons in adaptability, strength, and community, and we are committed to sharing their message with the world.
Your Support Provides Lifelong Care
$100 feeds one horse for a month – Feed costs are our major ongoing expense.
Veterinary and Farrier Care – Many horses arrive with long-term medical needs that require continued treatment and specialized care.
Regenerative Land and Herd Management – The land sustains the herd, and we are dedicated to sustainable stewardship that supports both the animals and the environment.
Education and Advocacy – We are committed to changing the way people see and understand horses, offering programs that share their wisdom and deepen our connection to the natural world.
Make a One-Time or Recurring Donation
Make a one-time, monthly or yearly donation. You can donate with PayPal or your Debit or Credit Card.
Become a Monthly Sponsor
A monthly sponsorship helps ensure consistent financial support for the feeding and care of our equine residents.
Become a Corporate Sponsor
A corporate sponsorship provides financial support for veterinary care and handling facilities for our equine residents.
No goods or services will be provided in exchange for, or in connection to, this donation or sponsorship. Broken Arrow Ranch & Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation may be tax-deductible. There are no arrangements nor expectations that the company (or persons) will receive any substantial return benefit in exchange for payment.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Angela’s passion for horses started at an early age. Angela grew up riding horses which led her to share this love with both daughters. Her youngest daughter instantly formed a strong affection for horses and enjoyed the hunter/jumper circuit for many years. During this time, Angela rescued 2 race horses that were no longer suitable for the race track and were headed to auction.
Angela reached out to the founder of Skydog Sanctuary, Clare Staples, and she educated Angela about the slaughter pipeline. Angela jumped into action and started construction at the ranch to create a rescue facility for domestic and wild horses and a retreat center for healing retreats. Angela worked closely with the board to form a vision and create a plan for Broken Arrow Ranch & Sanctuary. During the planning phase, all flowed beautifully, and the pieces fell into place effortlessly. Humans who felt the mission stepped up and our horse sanctuary was born!
Angela Crandall
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Louie graduated from Linfield University and has been a CPA since 2015. Louie maintains our financial reports, provides accounting services, and completes tax filings - just to name a few of the vital tasks he performs for Broken Arrow Ranch and Sanctuary.
Louie previously volunteered with Beaverton Youth Football, Lincoln Youth Football and Embrace Oregon. Louie has been married to his high school sweetheart for 7 years and is the proud Dad of two young children. Louie enjoys spending time outdoors with his family hiking, biking, playing pickle ball and tennis.
Louie Colasurdo
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Dina DiStefano serves as writer and contributing photographer for Broken Arrow Ranch and Sanctuary.
Dina’s love of horses was a family passion as her Grandmother and Mother, longtime horse owners, taught her to ride as a child. The bond she felt while grooming and riding horses led to a lifelong appreciation for them.
Dina enjoyed working at both University of California, Irvine and Berkeley on the Chancellor’s Fundraising/Special Events team. At Girl Scouts of Chicago, her fundraising team ran a successful capital campaign that restored two historic campgrounds.
Dina DiStefano
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As a husband, grandfather, and mentor, Mark’s love for the earth and all animals reflects a deep appreciation and awareness of the connection shared with the land and its inhabitants.
Born and raised in Central Oregon, he has developed a profound admiration for the high desert. Over the years, he has been involved in numerous water restoration projects throughout Crook County. With a collaborative effort to restore grasslands and natural waterways at Broken Arrow Ranch and Sanctuary, he continues to support and revitalize the high desert landscape.
Mark Nord
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Victoria is honored to support and serve on the board of Broken Arrow Ranch and Sanctuary, aligning with a team deeply passionate about equine rescue and dedicated to influencing legislation that protects these incredible animals from slaughter. Her commitment to advocacy and restoration efforts at the sanctuary reflects a lifelong love for horses and a desire to make a meaningful impact.
Having grown up surrounded by horses, Victoria developed a deep connection to them through 4-H and trail riding. Her first horse, Rebel, a chestnut Thoroughbred mix, was a cherished companion. At age 10, she encountered Honey, a mustang from a BLM roundup. Witnessing Honey’s journey to a good home instead of slaughter was a formative experience that reinforced Victoria’s dedication to equine welfare.
With over 25 years of experience in business development and relationship management, Victoria works as a Home Loan Advisor in Central Oregon and beyond. She aims to leverage her expertise to raise awareness and inspire others to support Broken Arrow Ranch and Sanctuary’s mission.
Beyond her work with the sanctuary, Victoria enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, entertaining, and spending time with family, including two beloved grandchildren. Her grandson, like his Nana, has developed a special fondness for horses, continuing the family’s connection to these remarkable animals.
Victoria Garcia
Support the life-long care of a sanctuary horse!
Supporting Broken Arrow Ranch & Sanctuary is about honoring the deep connection between humans, animals, and the land. Your contribution helps sustain the herd, restore balance to the natural world, and keep the wisdom of the sanctuary alive.
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Blessed we are to dance on this ground With the rhythm of saints to carry the sound We hold a prayer for the Earth For the ones yet to come May you walk in beauty And remember your song
Blessed we are to dance on this ground With the rhythm of saints to carry the sound We hold a prayer for all Life For the ones yet to come May you walk in beauty And remember your song
Remember why you came here Remember your life is sacred Remember why you came here Remember your life is sacred
Blessed We Are - Peia